Girls of the Forest

ng-sometimes irritating, it is true; sometimes also delightful; but at least always exciting. Miss Tredgold never did things by halves. She had got the absolute authority which she required from the

the present was left undisturbed. His papers were allowed to remain thick with dust; his chairs were allowed to be laden with books and papers; the carpet was allowed to remain full of holes

It was necessary, Miss Tredgold assured the girls, to ha

t existed at The Dales. She defied nurse; she took her meals with her sisters, and pinched baby whenever she found her alone. Miss Tredgold, however, took no notice of the tears or smiles or groans or discontented looks. She had a great deal to do, and she performed her tasks with rectitude and skill and despatch. New furniture was ord

" she said, "these th

t; "for in future I hope you will live as a la

etty white curtains were placed at the windows; the p

wait until I get the children to Londo

t she, Miss Tredgold, would do for her if she proved equal to the present emergency. Betty began to regard Miss Tredgold as a sort of marchioness in disguise. So interested was she in her, and so sure that one of the real "haristocrats" resided on the premises, that she ceased to read the Family Paper except at long intervals. She served up quite good dinners, and by the end of the fortnight few people would have known The Dales. For not only was the h

servants arrived from a neighboring town. Betty was helped in the kitchen by a neat kitchen-

of the day when the new servants were pronounced

e place quite pre

ou lik

u mean to b

nicely fitting dress, with the blush-rose in your belt, and that exceedingly pretty white hat on you

happy as

are not h

t Sophia, and perhaps-I sh

ed round with

ind, but I also mean to be very firm. I have now got the home in which you live into decent order, and you yours

t Sophia, what e

ld threw up

. Well, your bodies at least are attended to, and now come your minds. Lastly, I hope to reach the most important of all-your hearts. Verena, I must pr

a learned woman," said Verena. "Mother knew a l

lf and your sisters. I presume that you would like to be a useful and valuable member of society-a woman who has been trained to do her best, and to exercise the highest influence over all those with whom she comes in contact. Influence, which springs from character, my dear Verena, is the highest power that any one c

ou touch me more than words can say. Yes, I will try to be good; but

ake it light for you. Now wh

y," said that young person

te so fast. There! you have got a rent alrea

olroom little gi

are yo

ery; I want to stay always with my own good Aunty Sop

o call me 'aunty.' I am Aunt Sophi

t's

What ar

are

other time. How old

last birthday, o

hild. Please understand that th

t's

e girls learning much when they are only seven years old; but if you wish to be a schoolroom girl you will have to take your plac

said Penelope, raising her bold black ey

person to be influenced by soft word

aid. "Take your choice; you may be a sc

were you, Pen,"

ll," said

the schoolroom, but even more did she fear the knowledge th

schoolroom child;" and she piroue

hia," said Verena, "wh

e that honor," s

at these words, there were certainly spirit groans, for t

han you do, and I have my own ideas with regard to instruction. I may as well tell you at once that I am a very severe teacher, and somewhat cranky, too. A girl who does not know her lessons is apt to find herself seated a

d vanished the girls

Pauline. "It makes me shu

t lay before them. Everything had changed from that sunny, languorous, dolce far niente time a fortnight back. Now t

ps were hung on the walls; there was a long line of bookshelves filled partly with story books, partly with history books, and partly with ordinary lesson books. The windows were draped with white musl

n with prayer

de a few remarks, and then they all k

together that masters difficulties. If we are all united we can accomplish anything; but if there is mutiny in the camp, then things may be difficult. I warn you all, however, that under any circumstances I mean to win the victory. It will be much easier, therefore, to submit at first. There will be no u

were crimson, and Miss Tredgold decidedly wore a little of her northeast air. Pauline, on the whole, had a more successful interview with her new governess than he

have to work hard. Verena, you cannot even read properly. As to